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March 18, 2017 - 4:24 PM
Canada 150 Flags Presentation
Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas presented flags to be flown at city facilities in recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary of confederation, which will be officially celebrated July 1, 2017. City staff has also requested to use the Canada 150 logo for decorative banners on Boucherie Road Wine Trail and Westbank Centre. The city is working on planters with Canada’s colors for downtown locations and some city facilities and Canada colour themed flower beds will also be planted on each end of Westbank Centre, including the southern gateway to the city.
Development Permit at 3635 Carrington Road
Rental housing, consisting of three, four-storey apartment buildings with a total of 240 units and several amenities, can proceed to the construction phase after Council approved the issuance of a Development Permit for the project at 3635 Carrington Road. Consideration of the development permit was postponed during the February 28 meeting giving the applicant time to address form and character revisions that Council had requested. The applicant had made several notable revisions including: relocating garbage and recycling bins; improving landscapes in the parking areas; extending landscaped amenity areas; adding street trees and green space along Majoros Road and between the project and nearby residential areas to provide more screening; changing colours, finishings and placement of exterior materials to create distinct styles for each building; and, enlarging windows at the outermost corner of each complex to enhance architectural appeal.
Road Improvement Priorities
Staff will prepare a revised Arterial Road DCC Program based on a 10 year plan including a current financial resource evaluation. The current plan contains zero to five, five to 10 and 10 to 20 year, recommendations. Council wishes to see an updated plan that contains recommended annual improvements for the next 10 years, based on the city’s ability to pay through its financial reserves. Council will review the list of priorities when it receives a draft of the revised plan.
Public Works Yard Concept Plan
A request for proposals will be issued seeking a qualified firm to develop a concept plan and costs for a proposed public works yard on a city-owned, 11-acre parcel at 2515 Bartley Road. Generally, the plan will include estimated space requirements and associated costs for projected future staffing levels, including; offices, work stations and meeting rooms; staff room, lockers, washrooms and showers; equipment and material storage; mechanical and information technology rooms; workshops; and parking for staff and the public. Once a draft concept plan is completed it will be provided to Council for further feedback and consideration of costs. The provincial government gave the City of West Kelowna the land in October 2014 for the purposes of a public works yard.
Amendments to Business Licensing and Regulations Bylaw
Council gave first reading to Bylaw No. 0087.07, 2017, which proposes that societies be required to obtain and hold a valid business licence in cases where goods and services create a profit or gain. If adopted, societies will be required to provide proof that they are registered under The Societies Act and indicate the purpose of their operations. Societies registered under Purpose 1 will be exempt from obtaining a business licence. Societies registered under Purpose 2 will be required to obtain a business licence and pay the associated fees related to the category of their business.
Town Centre Vandalism
Council was provided a report outlining concerning activities, including vandalism, in parks and public spaces in Westbank Centre. Staff is seeing an increase in the amount and severity of vandalism resulting in a noticeable increase in the costs of repairs at facilities and parks including: Town Centre Park; Memorial Park Skate Park and Amphitheatre; Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre; Springer Park; City of West Kelowna Entrance sign; benches and other public amenities on Brown Road; and the Elliott Road Transit Exchange. Incidents have included: theft and destruction at Town Centre Community Garden; broken glass; graffiti; and people bathing in sinks. Council made it clear that these activities cannot simply be attributed to the homeless or transients – they are the actions of the criminal elements in society. RCMP is aware of the incidents and is working with City of West Kelowna staff on solutions. A supplemental report will be brought to Council at a future meeting to outline next steps.
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